Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) has launched a new e-learning title, ‘Methanol Fuel Safety’ in response to the industry’s response to the increasing popularity of the methanol option in the move to cut dependency on fossil fuels.
According to OTG, methanol offers low emissions, production versatility and cost-effectiveness when compared to other alternative fuels, while recent data indicates methanol has overtaken LNG as the preferred alternative fuel for new ships. The Methanol Institute says there are currently 251 methanol newbuild vessels on the water or in the order book. Established technologies allow for conversion of existing marine internal combustion engines to run on methanol.
Most methanol orders are for containerships, with a few for bulk and car carriers. Although LNG remains popular, particularly for new builds in container and car carrier segments, the total number of LNG orders fell from 222 in 2022 to 130 in 2023. These figures reflect the industry’s broader move towards exploring various alternative fuels to achieve a greener future.
Recognising the importance of this trend and in response to customer desire to start preparing their seafarers for new fuels, OTG has developed its new e-learning title on Methanol Fuel Safety. The course curriculum aligns with ongoing work in industry groups to establish training standards for working safely with new fuels. The programme provides seafarers with essential knowledge on safe handling and storage of methanol fuel and provides guidance on managing leaks and fires.
The title considers all applicable industry regulations and guidelines available such as The International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and the IMO’s interim guidelines The Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel.
Knut Mikalsen, Director Learning Solutions, OTG said: “It is really important for our customers to ensure that their seafarers stay ahead of the curve and have the knowledge, skills and defined competencies to handle new fuels safely before they are required to work with them. At OTG, we’re committed to engaging with customers and key industry stakeholders to develop reliable training standards that can help mitigate potential risks and enable seafarers to work safely with these new fuels while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.”
Johan Gustafsson, Chief Revenue Officer OTG added: “With a rapidly evolving space such as decarbonisation, e-learning offers a key advantage in that titles can be swiftly updated to ensure the latest information and best practices are always available wherever and whenever there is a need.”
Image: Knut Mikalsen, OTG Director Learning Solutions (source: Ocean Technologies Group)
